Study: Large percentage of young girls concerned by weight

Feb. 19, 2014

Written by

Licking Memorial Health Systems

According to the National Institute on Media and the Family, about 40 percent of girls ages 9 and 10 have tried to lose weight.

In addition, one study reports that at age 13, 53 percent of American girls are “unhappy with their bodies.” Alarmingly, this statistic increases to 78 percent by age 17.

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders suggests that eating disorders typically start in the teen years, but may begin as early as age 8.

Body image issues can be influenced by a variety of factors, but the constant influx of media images have a huge effect. The media often portrays thin, muscular people as beautiful, and the consistent repetition of these images can be a significant influence on a child’s poor body image.

This is a sensitive issue that many parents encounter with their children, particularly girls. Once a child develops a poor body image, they also may exhibit self-esteem issues and, potentially, eating disorders in the future.

The way parents talk about their own bodies can be adopted by their children in harmful ways. For example, when a mother is concerned about her own weight or is overly concerned about her daughters’ weight and looks, those behaviors can lead to damaging effects on the child and a negative body image.

During the formative years, it is important to be aware of the warning signs of a negative body image. These often include:

• A child only viewing herself/himself in terms of physical appearance

• Using negative language to describe herself/himself and attractiveness

• Excessive dieting

• Comments about other children’s weight

• Worries about attractiveness

• Depression and low self-esteem

Parents can help their children develop a positive body image by appropriately educating them about weight, growth and development. Focusing on healthy principles such as proper nutrition, daily exercise, limiting junk food and adequate sleep can result in a healthier child and a more positive body image.